Boeing and Qatar announced a big jet order today for up to 100 planes.

At a press conference in Washington, D.C., Friday, Qatar Airways announced a firm order from Boeing for 30 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs widebody jets and an additional letter of intent to order a further 60 single-aisle 737 MAX 8s.

Giant Bronze Teddy Bear Sits Prominently in Qatar’s Doha Airport Home

Along with facing the end of 747 production, Boeing has been talking about slowing the line for 777s as well. Boeing says 10 777s — in particular their delivery dates — goes a long way towards helping to sustain the 777 program. According to Boeing’s commercial airplanes chief,

I can tell you, ten 777s is a big deal. And where these airplanes fall within our delivery stream is extremely important to us in terms of what we do with our production rates.

Even considering that French Legion of Honor winner Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker isn’t known for living up to his word so I discount the 737 MAX order at least, this is a big deal for Boeing.

Qatar Airways Legacy Boeing 777 Business Class

Delta’s CEO thinks Donald Trump’s protectionism will help him to get the government to keep US consumers from flying on Mideast airlines (except the Mideast airlines Delta partners with) and to keep ticket prices high as a result.

But does anyone believe the argument that Qatar, Etihad, and Emirates are on net bad for jobs?

US airline employment is at an eight year high even as the Gulf carriers expand their presence in US markets. Indeed, airlines like Alaska and JetBlue are growing as a result of their partnerships with Emirates. And the growth of these carriers has meant more jobs in travel and tourism, and in aircraft manufacturing, as well as trade.

While Emirates gets the most publicity for their Airbus A380s, the Boeing 777 is the backbone of their fleet. Etihad is a big Boeing operator as well, and so is Qatar. This new order doesn’t just expand on it, it could help save a production line.